Cyanide poisoning in cattle: two unusual cases

Authors: Gurnsey MP, Jones WT, Merrall M, Reid CSW
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 25, Issue 5, pp 128-130, May 1977
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Toxicology, Poisoning - chemical, Poisoning - plant
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: This paper describes poisonings that occurred when two cows were fed, small quantities of minced white clover per rumen fistulam over a two-hour period. One animal died; the other survived following treatment with a specific antidote. The level of cyanide found in the leaf material was 200 /g green tissue. It seems clear from calculations based on this result that the intake of glucosides was sufficient to account for the results observed. Aspects of these cases are discussed in relation to findings of other workers. These cases demonstrate the potential dangers of the high levels of cyanogenetic glucosides in N.Z. white clovers.

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